San Diego Padres select Tennessee LHP commit Kruz Schoolcraft in 2025 MLB Draft

Tennessee left handed pitching commit Kruz Schoolcraft was selected by the San Diego Padres with the No. 25 overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. He now has the option to begin his pro career!

“Schoolcraft was originally slated to be part of the Class of 2026, but he reclassified back in December 2023 to join this crop,” Schoolcraft’s MLB scouting report reads. “A legitimate two-way standout as a left-handed pitcher and a first baseman, most teams likely prefer him on the hill after he excelled at events like the Area Code Games over the summer.

“He has the chance to be the next in the line of Oregon prep arms to go in the first round, following first-rounders Mick Abel in 2020 and Noble Meyer in ’23. (He might be) overcoming a rough start to the spring when his stuff was down to look much more like one of the top arms in the class as the season wore on.”

A graduate of Sunset High School in Oregon, Schoolcraft was an elite prospect dating back to his junior year. He reclassified from 2026 to’25.

“The 6-foot-8 Schoolcraft is a towering presence on the mound and in the batter’s box,” Schoolcraft’s scouting report continues. “As a pitcher, he’s up to 97 mph with his fastball, with the only knock against it a relative lack of spin and carry, so right now it can play a little straight. He has a tight, traditional two-plane slider, thrown in the low-80s that has carry and teeth, and some believe his feel for spin with that pitch should allow him to add more to his heater.

“He has a very good feel for his changeup, which he sells with excellent arm speed. Despite his size and long limbs, he does an excellent job of maintaining his delivery and landing all of his offerings for strikes.”

While he projects as a pitcher at the next level, one cannot ignore Schoolcraft’s bat. There’s a chance he could convert to someone at the plate. More than likely, he’ll be developed on the mat.

“At the plate, Schoolcraft has the chance to perhaps be an above-average hitter with better than average power in the future,” the scouting report reads. “The Tennessee recruit obviously offers a big target at first base, but he’s athletic around the bag and is a dynamic defender. The bat could be draftable on its own, but it’s pretty clear that he is being considered in the first round because of his arm.”